Feature Article from Hemmings Motor News

Rebuild That Rear
Q: Help! My problem is with a noisy rearend in a 1950 Ford coupe. I cannot find a new ring and pinion set to rebuild the original unit, and used units tend to be in about as good shape as my original. The stock one had a roughly 3.71:1 ratio. I'm now running a 3.31:1 ratio (used and noisy) from a 1951 Victoria with an automatic transmis--sion. My flathead V-8 pulls this ratio just fine.
Is there a place that has a new ring and pinion gear (3.31:1 ratio), or is there a later model rearend, with parts readily available, that I could get in a junkyard and wouldn't be wider than what I already have? I'd also like it to allow using the 15-inch wheels that I've already got on the car (five hole, 4.5-inch bolt pattern) and the standard driveshaft.
Guy York
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
A: I found a parts place that claims to have an NOS ring and pinion for the 1949-1951 Ford; call Mike Dennis at 402-489-3036, and the advertised price is $175--not bad!In my opinion, rebuilding your present unit is the only way to go. You then don't have to worry about the potential problems you've mentioned, such as width, bolt patterns, driveshaft issues, or some things you didn't mention--brake size, emergency brake hook-up, wheel cylinder size, etc.Locating wheel seals, bearings and other parts for your present differential should be no problem, and they may actually be found at one of the larger auto parts houses, such as NAPA.Revenge of the Body Swappers
Q: I own a 1941 Buick Model 56S. I love the body style, and would like to take the body off of the frame and place it over a newer frame and drivetrain. Would you tell me what car I need to buy to do that with the least amount of work?
I promised my daughter that I'd have it done by the time she graduates from college, which is in four years. She loves the car more than I do, and she won't let me get rid of it.
Richard Parauka
Orange, Connecticut
A: I would certainly reconsider rebuilding and updating your current drivetrain before you bite the bullet of swapping it out for a later one, Richard. That is actually a very sound engine-transmission-differential setup, and is very reliable when properly rebuilt and maintained. By updating, I refer to such modifications as a 12-volt conversion, electronic ignition and woven brake linings if you keep the original brakes. This way, you'll maintain the originality and value of this old beast.If you insist on swapping the driveline and frame, I would recommend hanging on to that frame, as it has at least two redeeming features--it is a well-built, strong unit, and it also fits the body without modification... it actually bolts right on! Locating a replacement frame will involve considerable research, as this marque is one whose cars are not generally altered in this manner, as are Fords or Chevys.So do think seriously about preservation, rather than modification, for as we all know, modification can take place any time, but they're only original once!Holley on a Honda
Q: Hello Jim! I have a twin-carbureted 1982 Honda Goldwing 1100. I've been told that Holley carburetors have been used on these bikes, and that this carburetor works well in this application. In fact, I recently saw an advertisement for this in a Jeep magazine. Have you ever heard of this combination? I would love to have just one carburetor--keep it strong and simple--even though I've never heard anything bad about the stock Honda carbs.
George Henry Jennings III
Camden, Maine
A: I did install a Weber similar to the one shown in your advertisement on a Porsche. The car's original fuel-injection system, including the wiring, was so messed up that we decided to replace it with a carburetor setup--this turned out to be an easy installation on that car, and it ran very well. I think the installation on your bike would be a bit more of a challenge, so check that out before actually purchasing the carburetor.That's a neat bike, one of the originals!
Jim Howe is the longtime steward of the Hemmings fleet of vehicles. As the proprietor of Last Chance Auto Repair in Shaftsbury, Vermont, Jim is ready to help solve any mechanical problem your car is experiencing. Just send your questions to: Hemmings Motor News, Dept. Howe-To, P.O. Box 100, Bennington, Vermont 05201; e-mail: jimhowe@hemmings.com.

This article originally appeared in the October, 2007 issue of Hemmings Motor News.